Texas Bill for 'Choose Life' Plates Goes to Gov. Rick Perry

After several failed attempts in recent years, Texas lawmakers were able to approve legislation Tuesday authorizing “choose life” specialty license plates. The measure has passed the Texas Senate and now goes to Gov. Rick Perry, who is expected to sign it into law.

The money raised from those willing to pay the $30 extra for the special plates would go to help pregnant mothers choose adoption over abortion. In the past, opponents of the measure derailed it with parliamentary procedures. But this time, it sailed through the House by a comfortable margin, the Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday. www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7548967.html

"It's time for us to get this legislation passed," said Rep. Larry Phillips, a Sherman Republican.

Proceeds from the specialty plates would be used to promote adoption as an alternative to abortion and flow into a "choose life" account supervised by the state attorney general, the newspaper reported. The money could be used only to provide clothing, housing, prenatal care, food, utilities and transportation for pregnant women who are considering adoption.

"We think Texans want the opportunity to do this," Phillips said. "They want the opportunity to say that they choose life and promote adoption. And they go hand in hand."

After several failed attempts in recent years, Texas lawmakers were able to approve legislation Tuesday authorizing choose life specialty license plates. The measure has passed the Texas Senate and now goes to Gov. Rick Perry, who is expected to sign it into law.
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